Nobody does Independence Day quite like Philadelphia, the place where independence was born. But sometimes that makes it tricky to narrow down your options for celebrating on the 4th. Fortunately, the festivities in and around Philly stretch to cover the entire week, so there’s no excuse not to get out and exercise your pride and knowledge of American history!
We’ll get the obvious out of the way, because everyone knows that Wawa Welcome America is the sole proprietor of Philadelphia’s most popular 4th of July programming. And what’s more American than Mayor Michael Nutter serving up a 4.5 ton Wawa hoagie on Independence Mall? From 12 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, grab a hoagie, enjoy a concert by the Liberty Bells, and check out Wawa’s “Letters From Home” station supporting our troops overseas. Then at 8 p.m., the Philadelphia Orchestra will play a free neighborhood concert at the River Stage Penn’s Landing, to be followed by fireworks. Following suit on Wednesday at 8p.m., the Peter Nero and the Philly POPS present their traditional patriotic concert “POPS! On Independence” at Independence Hall. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
The ‘Go 4th and Learn’ series provides special (and free!) programming for kids on the first, second and third day of the month, with storytelling, a Wawa dairy day (complete with cow-milking lessons), the history of the hoagie, and a playday at Smith Memorial Playground. In addition, the National Constitution Center offers free admission all day on July 2nd to their famously patriotic permanent exhibits.
Finally a foodie sampling event that’s free! Wawa Welcome America’s Taste of Philadelphia takes over the grounds at Penn’s Landing from July 5-7, presenting eats from scores of Philly’s favorite restaurants for a few bucks each. The RiverStage and Old City Stage will have ongoing performances, finishing up with Marsha Ambrosius before the fireworks show begins across the Delaware river on Saturday night.
But before the fireworks begin, the Waterfront Freedom Festival in Camden will be happening from July 1-7, with family-friendly activities, military vehicles, the Battleship New Jersey Memorial and Museum tour, live music, BBQ and food trucks – plus games and other attractions like ticket discounts at the Adventure Aquarium and a concert by HEART with Jason Bonham’s Led Zepplin Experience at the Susquehanna Bank Center.
Kevin Hart is hosting this year’s big event, the 4th of July Jam on the Parkway, with performances by Grace Potter, J. Cole, The Roots, John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Jill Scott, and Ben Taylor, followed by a signature fireworks display. Don’t forget Chill Moody & GoGo Morrow on the Questlove stage! The party starts at noon on the Parkway with music, activities, and tons of food trucks; not to be outdone by all of the fun in Old City, including the Philadelphia Independence Day Parade from 11 a.m. to 12:30, the Liberty Bell taping at 1:30 p.m., and a fife and drum colonial ensemble on Independence Mall performing at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Stop by the Independence Visitor’s Center at 1 p.m. for some cakes, cupcakes, and a little history from the Termini Brothers Bakery.
If the thought of crowds on the Parkway turns you off, The Roots and some friends will be performing a free concert on July 3rd at the Piazza and Schmidt’s, beginning at 2 p.m. Following a few drinks, you and your friends can then head to the TLA at 10:30 p.m. for Questlove and D’Angelo’s show, billed as Brothers in Arms, onsale for $35.
For some cheap and old fashioned fun, visit the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle in Doylestown for some all-American family games and activities, like a watermelon-eating contest, potato sack races, tug-of-war, town ball, and a cakewalk. The grounds are also open to self-guided tours all day, and the fun kicks off with a Childrens’ Decorated Bicycle Parade at 12:30 p.m.
If you thought yoga and beer didn’t go together, well… Dock Street Brewery will try and prove you wrong. For $35, celebrate American freedom with a class from Maha Yoga & Healing Arts that’s half yoga, half beer tasting event, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on July 3rd. If you’d rather skip the stretching and go right to the suds, Washington House Restaurant and Bar in Sellersville is still taking reservations for dinner accompanying your choice of American Beer Styles in this patriotic tasting ongoing through July.
Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure is honoring veterans and men and women in service with discounted admission prices all week long, and plenty of signs around the park honoring individuals and organizations. Firework shows are happening every Thursday night in July, along with a BBQ on the 4th and a concert by Jason Derulo on the 6th.
And if you’re from outside the city in the tri-state area, 6abc has the scoop on where and when to catch a local fireworks show in your area. For more family fun ideas outside of Philly, check out these listings from Philly Fun Guide. So yes we’ve given you lots of choices, what are you planning on doing?
